I’m taking a brief break from cranking out speed figures, with a chance to reflect on how racing is changing. Old timers who enjoyed socialising on course and darting between the bookies’gold and silver rings understandably fret about bleak attendances, yet it’s never been easier to get a bet on, and the flow of quality information is stronger than ever.
The online facilities offered by Interbet for tote and fixed odds have a significant convenience factor, plus the menu or array of betting markets is extensive. Previously, punters were starved of accurate info, now thanks to online form guides comprehensive data is readily available. And, of course, we can enjoy watching live racing from around the world 24/7 on TV.
Apologies for missing Saturday’s Cape podcast – I got ill when travelling in America and also mixed up the time zones. Doubt I could have been of much help though, despite thin fields there were some especially zany results at Kenilworth.
Some observations from Belmont Park, NYC. The best sprinter in New York and, arguably, current leader of the US sprint division, is Mind Your Biscuits. His owner, Chad Summers, previously a bloodstock agent and journalist, decided to give training a try, starting his career with a lucrative bang when Mind your Biscuits won the Golden Shaheen on dirt in Dubai. Laid off since then, the star thoroughbred resumed activities over the weekend.
Summers may be new to the training game, but does not lack in confidence and remains in sync with his charge – to overcome Mind Your Biscuit’s behavioural issues he plays the horse hip-hop music in the stable and adds an unusual apple/ginger mix to his feed to get him eating up properly. Always last into the parade ring, this quirky come-from-behinder was dominant in the Belmont Sprint Championship and now automatically gets in to the Breeder’s Cup Sprint.
South African punters who sometimes look beyond local racing for an edge may take heed of Hall of `Fame jockey Jerry Bailey’s positive appraisal when this tricky talent and his rookie trainer decide to shoot for other big prizes.